Sing a New Song: A Story of Second Chances

By Jabulani Daum

Jabulani Daum has been writing Christian fiction, poems, and lyrics for friends and church members for twenty years. Finally, after an active life as a registered nurse, wife, mother, and a choir member herself, through Christs strength she brings you her first novel, Sing a New Song.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449736576

Jabulani Daum

Jabulani Daum has been writing Christian fiction, poems, and lyrics for friends and church members for twenty years. Finally, after an active life as a registered nurse, wife, mother, and a choir member herself, through Christ’s strength she brings you her first novel, Sing a New Song.

Book preview

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Biography

For Bernie, who believed in me.

Is any one of you in trouble. He should pray. Is any one

happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone sick?

He should call the elders of the church to pray over him

and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

James 5:13-14

Introduction

In the town of Riverton stands a church called St. Simon’s. It is an old church with traditional architecture; stained glass windows, choir loft behind the alter, a balcony, and a fellowship hall in the basement. The pastor is Ben Kelly, a widower of five years. Though traditional in most ways, he tries to stay in touch, especially with the youth programs.

The choir, an important part of the church, loves to have fun while serving the Lord. For the most part the choir has a good time at rehearsals. Getting everyone to show up was the biggest concern of Lillian Weston, a fairly new director. She came from St. Louis where she taught singing at a music academy for rich little wannabes; the children whose parents were so proud of their ‘never had a lesson in their life’ and ‘didn’t they just have the most talent you ever saw’ darlings. To say the least, Lillian is now very happy to be among the adult population. She no longer has to grade voices, talk to parents or plan recitals. Although with this choir she had to endure the occasional ‘cutting up’, jokes about the music or the composer or the funny musical language. You have to agree that ‘Picardy-third’ is not something you can say without at least a snicker. Few of the members read music, one was actually tone deaf, all were fun-loving, and most were fairly dedicated to quality performances. Their individual faiths were never questioned. It was assumed that if someone chose to sing in a religious choir that one believed in God, faith, prayer and worship. The members, old and new, are no different than any others. Some are grounded, some searching, some unsure and are testing the waters, some have secret pain and some just want to be loved.

Chapter 1

Choir rehearsal had been on Tuesday at seven o’clock since the Reeds, now in their sixties, were still known as youngsters. This Tuesday wasn’t any different from last Tuesday or the Tuesday before that. Lil arrived to find Thad, a graduate student in microbiology, waiting in the parking lot with a book in his hand. Thad Pennington was in his final semester for his masters degree at Arkansas State University. He worked part-time tutoring middle-schoolers who were flunking biology. Thad was a first time visitor to St. Simon’s only a few months ago. He was just a southern boy from North Carolina who happened to get a full ride at Duke University. No, not basketball, his scholarships were strictly academic. Lil opened the side entrance of the church and switched on the AC. Thad strolled slowly behind her, putting his book in his army green shoulder satchel.

Hi Thad, what brings you so early to practice? Been waiting long? I’m sorry I didn’t get here any sooner; you wouldn’t have had to sit in that hot car all alone. Well, come in and make yourself comfortable. Lil apparently didn’t need or want an answer because she just went on ahead assuming he would follow. She was busy with the duties of choral director and she always stayed on task. Jace and Millicent Reed were the next to arrive. They were the mainstays of the choir through thick and thin. They never missed a Tuesday or a Sunday unless they were on vacation or there was an illness. Wanda Larkin pulled up just in time to watch Jace hold the door for Millie as they walked hand-in-hand into the church. She smiled at the thought of someday finding that kind of love. Looking into her rear view mirror and seeing the empty booster seats reminded her of her two true loves, her twin girls Sage and Tawny now going on three years old. She brushed her long, dark blond hair, and hurried in to see her new friends. Wanda was a regular though she had joined only a few months ago. Her voice was a very melodic soprano and choir was the only regular activity she could attend because of the sitter problem. Luckily, Sarah loved watching the twins and her parents Betty and Dillon Spencer, knowing Wanda’s hardship, never let Sarah take more than a few dollars a night. Sarah was 14 and about to start high school. She had an older brother in high school and one already in college which is probably why she seemed older than fourteen. Wanda was just so relieved to find the Spencer’s because she could feel safe leaving the twins in their home for a few hours each week. Either Betty or Dillon was always there to help Sarah, but she never seemed to need any. Flo Stafford and Bill Morrison arrived next; they had been members for a while, but could not be counted on every week. There was always something going on in each of their lives. Bill’s wife Kit did not sing and she was quite the socialite so any occasion she could find would take Bill away from a much needed tenor part. More than being good, Bill was the only tenor. Flo was an alto, a strong alto, when she was absent the other altos felt inadequate. Universally there are always more sopranos than altos, perhaps because it’s easier to sing along with melody than to harmonize. Flo always had a good time at choir, but like many she had other priorities. Flo was single but always looking; currently looking for husband number four. She had no children just a poodle named Geau Geau, pronounced go-go. The dog hated to be left alone for any length of time and Flo, being the responsible dog-owner, did not like leaving him alone all day and then again at night. It was sometimes too much for the poor, insecure little creature. No one bought into her sad tale, but everyone liked Flo, took her stories at face value and appreciated when she did show up. Marilyn Billings was the other regular alto. She loved the choir even though neither her husband nor her son took an interest. Marilyn loved to serve, she held several posts in the church such as leader of the women’s circle, overseer of the kitchen for events ,Sunday school teacher ; a real Martha. Arlene Newcomb , always one of the last to arrive, had her son Ashton in toe because she didn’t want him alone tonight. Arlene had lost her husband, Ned, last year to pancreatic cancer. He died within 18 months of being diagnosed. It was fast, too fast. Losing his dad was more than this 12 year old could handle, Ash’s depression was worsening. Often times she would bring him with her and he would complete his homework or just sit in the balcony starring down at the empty pews.

There was the usual mingling and talking before starting……

Lil was now at the podium. She tapped the metal stand with her baton which had become a tinny hallmark of when Lil was serious. A tarnished golden chain held the horn-rimmed reading glasses that balanced precariously on her nose and when she didn’t take them off she peered over the rims with those overly made up eyes. Folks we have to get started. Clearing her throat, Lots of music to go over before the Interfaith Choral Concert next month. Her voice always went up at the end of a sentence which made her sound like the proverbial school marm. She was probably a lovely woman once, but her outfits and mannerisms were relics from 1953. They all loved and respected her despite the outdated dresses and scarves. Today she wore a long navy pencil skirt, a cream sleeveless peasant blouse with ruffles and a denim vest with cream rick-rack embroidery along the button holes. Her shoes were sensible black leather loafers with a sturdy heel, and her head band was a carefully folded vintage Vera Neumann animal print scarf. She had a scarf for every day of the week. Rolling into the new millennium didn’t seem to change her much.

As all took their places Lil said, Does anyone know if Edith, oops I mean Edi, will be here Sunday? I decided to give her the solo on page four and I have to know by tonight if I need to assign it to someone else.

I talked to her last night and she didn’t say she wasn’t going to be here, Wanda offered trying to put a southern spin into her voice. Edi and Wanda had become good friends since she joined the choir two months ago.

I hope so, Lil said with a worried look on her face while she shook her head. What about you, Bill? Will my only tenor be here? Lil’s hopeful smile stirred up a sense of belonging deep inside Bill’s heart.

With his broad chest and deep voice, he sheepishly replied, As far as I know, I will. Bill spoke with a melodic southern twang. His voice created a sense of trust, maybe that’s why he was so successful in the stock market.

Great! Now let’s get to work. Danielle, we’ll start on page five with the bass part, chimed Lil all the while tapping the baton. Jace and Thad suddenly looked up from their conversation and quickly turned to page five.

Danielle Smith was a delightful pianist who played for the sheer love of it. She worked in an attorney’s office down town and played for St. Simon’s every chance she could. Nobody was more reliable. She never told anyone this, but she believed it was her purpose; her special way to serve the Lord with music. She also taught piano lessons a few nights a week. Wanda hoped Danielle would still be around when her girls got a bit older.

Edi rushed through the door and took her place. Sorry I’m late. You know how it is when everyone wants everything yesterday, she said as she struggled to find her place. Edi rarely comes on time. Her job at B&G Advertising keeps her late because she is too nice to refuse anyone and she gets stuck with everyone’s must- have-it-by-tomorrow lists.

Wanda leaned whispering, after five years you still can’t say no? You are just too nice for your own good; but I admire your attitude and always happy smile. Wanda secretly wished the whole world could be more Edi-like."

Nonsense, girl, you’re just as good or better. Look how great you are to those girls. Why you…

Another tap, tap, tap on the metal stand and a big ahem brought the group to silence.

Rehearsal went well. Edi was delighted to get the solo. She was meant to sing. Edi’s short, dark hair fell into perfect ringlets framing her sweet face. She was like a small angel with the voice of ten sopranos. Edi was slim and wore her very fashionable clothes well. She had to look the part all week at the ‘slave’ agency, but she looked as good in a pair of cut-offs and a t-shirt. Edi always carried her Coach handbag that her parents had bought for her when she graduated cum laude from ASU. The razorback key chain that hung from the strap was a constant reminder to Wanda that she had never finished college.

Are there any prayer requests before we dismiss, asked Lil? Wanda raised her hand. In just two months Wanda had come to rely on the choirs’ prayers. She knew someone was praying for her.

I hate to keep asking ,but Tawny has another one of her infections.

You just keep asking, my dear. The bible does say to pray without ceasing, Millie reassured Wanda.

Thanks, Millie. She tried to smile, but it was hard to hold back the waterworks. She breathed in deeply and found strength in her friends’ smiles. She needed Tuesdays.

I’d like continued prayers for Ash, he’s still despondent, Arlene spoke up about Ashton since he had left the sanctuary to go sit in the car. He’s still taking his dad’s death very hard even after a year.

Let us go to God, said Lil as they all bowed their heads they felt even more united than when they sang together. Father, please bless this little band of troubadours as we sing your praises. Forgive our sins dear Lord. Tonight, we ask healing for little Tawny and we ask for comfort and peace to come over Ash as he adjusts to life without his dad and please dear Lord give Arlene wisdom and strength. Bless this church and its members, in Christ’s holy name we pray, amen. Whispered amens lingered for a few seconds as everyone finished their private prayers and raised their heads to say their weekly good-byes.

The hall became alive with chatter as they prepared to go.

Wanda, I’m so sorry to hear about Tawny, Millie said with her face full of dismay and sympathy. Wanda knew she was genuinely concerned. Millie continued, I don’t think I saw the girls last Sunday?

They stayed home. Sarah came over and stayed with them. Tawny gets a little irritable when she has these infections, but she usually gets better after a day or two, when the antibiotics kick in.

Well, we hope to see them this week, Millie gave Wanda a much needed hug and then fell in beside Jace as he opened the stained glass door for his beautiful bride and Wanda.

I’m sure they will be there. They don’t like to miss Sunday school. Excuse me Millie; I must catch Betty before she leaves. Wanda gave Millie another quick hug then turned to catch up with Betty.

Betty! Betty, hold up a sec, catching up to her, could Sara sit just a bit longer tonight? I have to run to the drug store and get Tawny’s medicine.

"I suppose but not too late, she’ll use any excuse to neglect her homework, you know." Betty gave Wanda a big warm smile and nodded.

Thanks, Betty. I won’t be long, promise.

Wanda was quickly on her way to Townsend’s Pharmacy. She recognized Bill Morrison’s bright red Hummer in the parking lot and sat for a second envying the SUV. She always wanted a sporty SUV. It sure beat her hunk of junk that barely drove anymore. ‘Oh well,’ she thought as she hurried inside. "I feel lucky to have something and one day the Lord will see fit to give me something better. She didn’t even realize she was speaking the last part of her thought aloud as the automatic doors closed behind her. Looking around the store she didn’t see Bill anywhere. ‘Maybe that wasn’t his car after all,’ she was back to only thinking her thoughts since she saw the clerk looking at her funny as she walked in alone. Wanda walked quickly to the back of the store to the pharmacy counter and almost out of breath exclaimed, I need this prescription filled, please."

The young lady behind the counter knew Wanda and could tell she was stressed and in a hurry. Certainly, ma’am, it will be just a few minutes. I’ll slip it into the front basket for Mr. Nelson to do next. She smiled, which assured Wanda. Wanda watched as she took the prescription over to the pharmacist, he looked up from his computer and gave Wanda his usual wave.

As Wanda waited for Tawny’s medicine she heard a familiar southern voice say, Hi, Wanda.

She turned, Hi, Bill. What brings you to this neck of the woods?

Oh um, I needed to pick up a few things, looking around to see a plausible item to pick up.

Not seeing anything in his hands, Wanda said curiously, I see you haven’t found them yet. Wanda knew the discount drug store was not on his side of town.

This, grabbing some shaving cream off the shelf.

Right, she mused.

Ms. Larkin, your order is ready. The clerk held up the white paper bag. Wanda turned and laid a twenty and a five on the counter.

Your total is $47.00 ma’am, the clerk said quietly.

Last time it was only $23.50. What kind of antibiotic is it? Wanda knew she didn’t have $47.

It’s more powerful than the amoxicillin you got last time. This one is called Augmentin; it fights more kinds of bacteria because it has both amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.

Oh, I know the doctor told me it would be different, but I wasn’t expecting it to cost more. I don’t seem to have that much on me, Wanda said while fumbling through her purse. She only had five more dollars which was needed to pay Sarah for babysitting. She hated asking Sarah to wait for payment; she had already asked her so many times before. I’ll have to pick it up in the morning, embarrassed, she hurried out of the store, got into her clunker and again prayed that it would start. Bill could not help hearing the conversation as he stood there holding his shaving cream. He felt the desperation and embarrassment in Wanda’s voice. He set his purchase on the counter as he watched her leave the store.

Why did Bill have to be there tonight? Why doesn’t my insurance cover medicine? Why does Tawny have to be sick? Why can’t I find a good paying job? Why am I soooooooo needy? Lord, when will it be my turn? She reached for the tissues on the seat and blew into them as she bemoaned her life. Oh, well, nothing I can do about it now, she said as she straightened herself up like always. Just as she looked up from the tissue, it started to rain. Wonderful!! Getting the kids out of their car seats is always a trick, but rain makes it that much more difficult especially when one is sick. Then, add the night; it is so frightening to be alone at night with the girls. Wanda had Sarah to help put the kids in the car, but once she got home to her dark neighborhood, it was really scary. She had to hold one between her legs as she unfastened the other. She then had to get them securely into the house before coming back to get the diaper bags, groceries, or anything else she didn’t want to leave in an unsecured car in an unsecured neighborhood. The girls were everything to Wanda, but she often wondered if she was doing right by them. As she held Sage between her legs and unstrapped Tawny, headlights blinded them from the rear of the car. Not expecting visitors this late, she stood motionless ready to put Sage back into the car. The lights turned off and Bill came toward the trio.

Bill! What are you doing here? You gave me an awful scare. She could feel her heart beating fast as she took a few deep breaths and continued to fumble with the old car seat.

Here, let me help, He motioned for Wanda to step aside, she obliged only because she was so tired and frustrated she couldn’t refuse. She waited with Sage in her arms as Bill gingerly removed Tawny from the seat and the foursome entered the house. Tawny was so small in Bill’s arms, but so relaxed.

Sorry, about the mess… she lingered on the sentence with thoughts about giving some kind of excuse, but nothing she wanted to say came to her so she just took Sage to the nursery. Wanda put Sage down for the night and saw that Tawny was still asleep in Bill’s arms as she entered the living room. She stopped at the hallway’s end and quietly said, Bring her in here.

Bill followed into a room with two